Forget dry, bland dinner rolls. These Homemade Cheddar Cheese Rolls are soft, fluffy, pillowy pockets of warmth loaded with sharp cheddar cheese inside and out. Baked with a bubbly, golden-brown cheese crust, they are the ultimate cheesy comfort food. They make a fantastic addition to any family dinner, holiday spread, or can be enjoyed warm on their own as a savory snack.
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) instant yeast
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F / 43°C)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Make the Dough: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, yeast, sugar, and salt. Pour in the warm milk, melted butter, and egg. Stir with a wooden spoon until a soft dough forms.
- Knead and Rise: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 5 to 7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Shape the Rolls: Punch down the risen dough. Roll it out into a rectangle. Sprinkle 1 cup of the shredded Cheddar cheese over the dough. Roll the dough up tightly like a cinnamon roll, and slice into 12 equal rounds.
- Second Rise: Place the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover and let them rise for another 30 minutes until puffy.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of Cheddar cheese over the top of the rolls. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the rolls are golden-brown and the cheese on top is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Let them cool for 5 minutes, then serve warm while the cheese is soft and stretchy.
Tips and Notes
- Choose Sharp Cheddar: Sharp or extra-sharp Cheddar provides the best bold flavor that stands out in the bread dough. Mild cheddar can taste bland once baked.
- Make it Garlic Herb: Add 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder and 1 teaspoon of dried Italian herbs to the flour mixture for an extra layer of savory flavor.
